Cyberattack still idling Pennsylvania Senate Democrats

PA News

Mar 6, 2017

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s top state Senate Democrat says no ransom has been paid to resolve a “ransomware” cyberattack on caucus computers that’s being investigated by the FBI.
Senate Democrats’ computer network remained inaccessible Monday, three days after the attack was discovered early Friday.
Senate Democrats say Microsoft is trying to figure out who penetrated the network and how. Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa wouldn’t discuss what ransom was demanded, and says Senate Democrats are focused on restoring access to the network.
An FBI spokeswoman says under Department of Justice policy the agency won’t provide any update on an ongoing investigation unless or until charges are filed.
A ransomware attack is typically aimed at stealing sensitive information in an attempt to be paid for the data’s return, often in a digital currency.